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| Last Week One Paramedic Was Infected. Now Over 150 Are in Quarantine. | Last Week One Paramedic Was Infected. Now Over 150 Are in Quarantine. |
| (8 days later) | |
| It began last week when an Emergency Medical Services worker contracted the coronavirus from his girlfriend. Three days later, more than 20 of these workers, who form part of the New York City Fire Department, were in isolation for potential exposure to the virus, either through their colleagues, patients or off-duty contacts. | It began last week when an Emergency Medical Services worker contracted the coronavirus from his girlfriend. Three days later, more than 20 of these workers, who form part of the New York City Fire Department, were in isolation for potential exposure to the virus, either through their colleagues, patients or off-duty contacts. |
| By Wednesday morning, three Fire Department employees had tested positive. Now, more than 150 members of the department are in quarantine, including dozens of E.M.S. workers, according to union and department officials. | By Wednesday morning, three Fire Department employees had tested positive. Now, more than 150 members of the department are in quarantine, including dozens of E.M.S. workers, according to union and department officials. |
| The speed with which the coronavirus has affected the department’s ranks has rattled New York City’s ambulance crews at a time when these workers may be pivotal in managing a surge of patients with the illness. | The speed with which the coronavirus has affected the department’s ranks has rattled New York City’s ambulance crews at a time when these workers may be pivotal in managing a surge of patients with the illness. |
| Workers say there are already shortages in equipment and manpower, meaning New York’s emergency response system could be hamstrung as the virus works its way through the Fire Department and the city. | Workers say there are already shortages in equipment and manpower, meaning New York’s emergency response system could be hamstrung as the virus works its way through the Fire Department and the city. |
| Staffing numbers for E.M.S. workers are so low, union officials say, that any moderate infection within the ranks could affect dozens of shifts, slowing units’ response time in neighborhoods across the city. | Staffing numbers for E.M.S. workers are so low, union officials say, that any moderate infection within the ranks could affect dozens of shifts, slowing units’ response time in neighborhoods across the city. |
| “The city is going have to make decisions on what responses they are going to send ambulances to, and what they are not,” said Bradford Billet, the former associate director of the city’s E.M.S. division. “These are not regular times.” | “The city is going have to make decisions on what responses they are going to send ambulances to, and what they are not,” said Bradford Billet, the former associate director of the city’s E.M.S. division. “These are not regular times.” |
| On Wednesday night, the Fire Department changed its quarantine guidance for emergency workers and firefighters, saying they would be required to work even if they had been exposed to the coronavirus — as long as they were asymptomatic. | On Wednesday night, the Fire Department changed its quarantine guidance for emergency workers and firefighters, saying they would be required to work even if they had been exposed to the coronavirus — as long as they were asymptomatic. |
| The guidance was in line with what the New York State Department of Health had suggested in recent days for health care facilities, the Fire Department said in an announcement to its staff, which was provided to The New York Times. All those currently under quarantine would remain so. | The guidance was in line with what the New York State Department of Health had suggested in recent days for health care facilities, the Fire Department said in an announcement to its staff, which was provided to The New York Times. All those currently under quarantine would remain so. |
| The Fire Department’s 4,500 Emergency Medical Services workers — which include paramedics and emergency medical technicians — respond to about 4,000 emergency calls a day, according to city data. | The Fire Department’s 4,500 Emergency Medical Services workers — which include paramedics and emergency medical technicians — respond to about 4,000 emergency calls a day, according to city data. |
| Asked about potential shortages, the Fire Department said it planned to shift schedules and space out staffing to try and contain the spread of the virus through its ranks. | Asked about potential shortages, the Fire Department said it planned to shift schedules and space out staffing to try and contain the spread of the virus through its ranks. |
| “These modifications will increase social distancing where possible, limit member-to-member contact within our ranks and will not impact our operational response, only the scheduling of our work force,” Frank Dwyer, a department spokesman, said. | “These modifications will increase social distancing where possible, limit member-to-member contact within our ranks and will not impact our operational response, only the scheduling of our work force,” Frank Dwyer, a department spokesman, said. |
| Low enlistment numbers in recent years for the E.M.S. department have concerned union officials, who point to pay and benefit gaps between firefighters and these workers as one of the reasons. | Low enlistment numbers in recent years for the E.M.S. department have concerned union officials, who point to pay and benefit gaps between firefighters and these workers as one of the reasons. |
| Also, E.M.S. workers receive only 12 days of paid sick leave a year, compared with unlimited sick leave for firefighters. Many of E.M.S. workers eventually decide to become firefighters, leading to significant turnover in the ranks. | Also, E.M.S. workers receive only 12 days of paid sick leave a year, compared with unlimited sick leave for firefighters. Many of E.M.S. workers eventually decide to become firefighters, leading to significant turnover in the ranks. |
| Before the virus hit, the department was short about 1,000 emergency response workers and 26 ambulances, according to union estimates. | Before the virus hit, the department was short about 1,000 emergency response workers and 26 ambulances, according to union estimates. |
| “We had a problem responding before because we’re understaffed,” said Oren Barzilay, the president of Local 2507, the union that represents emergency responders and paramedics. “I think that’s our biggest concern.” | “We had a problem responding before because we’re understaffed,” said Oren Barzilay, the president of Local 2507, the union that represents emergency responders and paramedics. “I think that’s our biggest concern.” |
| Last week, before the number of confirmed cases in the city had grown to about 4,000, the assistant chief of Emergency Medical Services said workers were prepared to deal with the coronavirus. | Last week, before the number of confirmed cases in the city had grown to about 4,000, the assistant chief of Emergency Medical Services said workers were prepared to deal with the coronavirus. |
| “We have dealt with issues like this in the past,” the assistant chief, Alvin Suriel, said. “We dealt with Ebola. We do this everyday.” | “We have dealt with issues like this in the past,” the assistant chief, Alvin Suriel, said. “We dealt with Ebola. We do this everyday.” |
| But it has become clear that the coronavirus outbreak, which has virtually shutdown New York, is unlike anything the country has ever seen. | But it has become clear that the coronavirus outbreak, which has virtually shutdown New York, is unlike anything the country has ever seen. |
| E.M.S. workers responding to sick calls are seemingly at a higher risk of exposure to the virus, and yet they are facing the same barriers to testing as most Americans. It is difficult to know just how many workers are infected and how many have been exposed. | E.M.S. workers responding to sick calls are seemingly at a higher risk of exposure to the virus, and yet they are facing the same barriers to testing as most Americans. It is difficult to know just how many workers are infected and how many have been exposed. |
| The outbreak in Washington State is a cautionary tale. In Kirkland, a Seattle suburb, more than 30 firefighters were forced to isolate themselves after responding to calls linked to a nursing home where at least 30 people have died after contracting the coronavirus. | The outbreak in Washington State is a cautionary tale. In Kirkland, a Seattle suburb, more than 30 firefighters were forced to isolate themselves after responding to calls linked to a nursing home where at least 30 people have died after contracting the coronavirus. |
| Last week, the New York Fire Department instituted a new policy forbidding firefighters from responding to calls that could expose them to the virus. The Police Department issued a similar protocol. Emergency Medical Services workers will be the only teams responding to such calls in an effort to contain exposure. | Last week, the New York Fire Department instituted a new policy forbidding firefighters from responding to calls that could expose them to the virus. The Police Department issued a similar protocol. Emergency Medical Services workers will be the only teams responding to such calls in an effort to contain exposure. |
| One paramedic described widespread confusion over how and when emergency workers were supposed to quarantine themselves. | One paramedic described widespread confusion over how and when emergency workers were supposed to quarantine themselves. |
| Updated June 30, 2020 | |
| Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. | |
| Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles. | Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles. |
| A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. | A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. |
| The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. | The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. |
| The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. | The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. |
| So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. | So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. |
| Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. | Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. |
| A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. | A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. |
| The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. | The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. |
| If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) | If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) |
| If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. | If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. |
| It is also unclear whether there are enough masks and gloves for paramedics, police officers and firefighters should the rate of infections continue to climb. | It is also unclear whether there are enough masks and gloves for paramedics, police officers and firefighters should the rate of infections continue to climb. |
| Recently, the Fire Department started rationing N95 face masks — which the C.D.C. recommends using when coming into contact with potential coronavirus patients — and it no longer allows ambulance crews to carry a supply of them. The decision was “meant to ensure safety of our members,” Mr. Dwyer, the spokesman, said. | Recently, the Fire Department started rationing N95 face masks — which the C.D.C. recommends using when coming into contact with potential coronavirus patients — and it no longer allows ambulance crews to carry a supply of them. The decision was “meant to ensure safety of our members,” Mr. Dwyer, the spokesman, said. |
| The department used to keep the masks in communal supply rooms, one paramedic said, but cut off access after the virus hit the city. Now, the paramedic said, emergency medical technicians have been asked to return used masks to supervisors before getting a new one. | The department used to keep the masks in communal supply rooms, one paramedic said, but cut off access after the virus hit the city. Now, the paramedic said, emergency medical technicians have been asked to return used masks to supervisors before getting a new one. |
| The paramedic, a 16-year veteran of the department, said he and his partner were keeping extra masks in their truck for emergencies. He spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized by the Fire Department to speak with the press. | The paramedic, a 16-year veteran of the department, said he and his partner were keeping extra masks in their truck for emergencies. He spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized by the Fire Department to speak with the press. |
| When E.M.S. workers are dispatched to a call that involves a potential coronavirus patient, they are required to wear personal protective equipment, including N95 masks, gloves and eye shields, Mr. Dwyer said. | When E.M.S. workers are dispatched to a call that involves a potential coronavirus patient, they are required to wear personal protective equipment, including N95 masks, gloves and eye shields, Mr. Dwyer said. |
| Ambulances used to transport those patients are being cleaned before each use, he said. Crews are not being asked to isolate themselves unless there is a breach of their protective equipment. | Ambulances used to transport those patients are being cleaned before each use, he said. Crews are not being asked to isolate themselves unless there is a breach of their protective equipment. |
| But some members of ambulance crews say they have not been given clear directions about when to notify the department of a potential breach, said a woman who has worked as an paramedic in the city for 15 years. | But some members of ambulance crews say they have not been given clear directions about when to notify the department of a potential breach, said a woman who has worked as an paramedic in the city for 15 years. |
| “There have been members who have kind of slipped through the system, through the cracks, maybe have not made the appropriate notifications either because they didn’t know or they weren’t clear on when or how to make the notification,” the woman said, speaking on the condition of anonymity for fear of retribution. | “There have been members who have kind of slipped through the system, through the cracks, maybe have not made the appropriate notifications either because they didn’t know or they weren’t clear on when or how to make the notification,” the woman said, speaking on the condition of anonymity for fear of retribution. |
| Ambulance crews are not stationed within firehouses for their eight-hour shifts, and do not live, eat and share space with firefighter crews, according to Fire Department policy. But they interact regularly at emergency scenes, raising concern that an infection in either group could transfer to the other. | Ambulance crews are not stationed within firehouses for their eight-hour shifts, and do not live, eat and share space with firefighter crews, according to Fire Department policy. But they interact regularly at emergency scenes, raising concern that an infection in either group could transfer to the other. |
| “I’m really, really taken aback how unprepared we were for this,” the female paramedic said. “I don’t believe as a department we’re ready to really contain a possible outbreak within the department, so that is scary to me.” | “I’m really, really taken aback how unprepared we were for this,” the female paramedic said. “I don’t believe as a department we’re ready to really contain a possible outbreak within the department, so that is scary to me.” |